Abstract:

A parking assistance system includes front and rear auxiliary wheel
assemblies mounted to a chassis of the vehicle and adjacent front and
rear wheels of the vehicle. Each of the front and rear auxiliary wheel
assemblies includes two auxiliary wheels and an auxiliary motor coupled
to the auxiliary wheels for driving the auxiliary wheels to rotate in a
forward or backward direction. A plurality of lift devices are mounted
between the auxiliary wheels and the chassis and control upward and
downward movement of the auxiliary wheels. At least one parking
assistance controller is coupled to the auxiliary motors. A control unit
is coupled to the at least one parking assistance controller and manually
operable to control a rotating direction and speed of the auxiliary
motors via the at least one parking assistance controller, controlling a
moving distance and direction of the auxiliary wheels in the forward or
backward direction.

Claims:

1. A parking assistance system for a vehicle comprising:a front auxiliary
wheel assembly adapted to be mounted to a chassis of the vehicle and
adjacent to two front wheels of the vehicle, with the front auxiliary
wheel assembly including two front auxiliary wheels and a first auxiliary
motor coupled to the two front auxiliary wheels, with at least one of the
two front auxiliary wheels being drivable by the first auxiliary motor to
rotate in a forward or backward direction;a rear auxiliary wheel assembly
adapted to be mounted to the chassis of the vehicle and adjacent two rear
wheels of the vehicle, with the rear auxiliary wheel assembly including
two rear auxiliary wheels and a second auxiliary motor coupled to the two
rear auxiliary wheels, with at least one of the two rear auxiliary wheels
being drivable by the second auxiliary motor to rotate in the forward or
backward direction;a plurality of lift devices mounted between the front
and rear auxiliary wheels and the chassis, with the plurality of lift
devices controlling upward and downward movement of the front and rear
auxiliary wheels between a first position above the ground and a second
position on the ground, with the front and rear wheels of the vehicle
being above the ground when the front and rear auxiliary wheels are in
the second position, and with the front and rear wheels of the vehicle
being on the ground when the front and rear auxiliary wheels are in the
first position;a first auxiliary motor driver coupled to the first
auxiliary motor;a second auxiliary motor driver coupled to the second
auxiliary motor;at least one parking assistance controller coupled to the
first and second auxiliary motor drivers; anda control unit coupled to
said at least one parking assistance controller, with the control unit
being manually operable to control a rotating direction and speed of the
first and second auxiliary motors via said at least one parking
assistance controller, controlling a moving distance and direction of the
front and rear auxiliary wheels in the forward or backward direction.

2. The parking assistance system as claimed in claim 1, with said at least
one parking assistance controller including first and second parking
assistance controllers respectively coupled to the first and second
auxiliary motor drivers, with the control unit including first and second
sensor units adapted to be mounted on left and right sides of the
vehicle, with each of the first and second sensor units including a first
sensor coupled to the first auxiliary motor and a second sensor coupled
to the second auxiliary motor.

3. The parking assistance system as claimed in claim 1, with said at least
one parking assistance controller including a parking assistance
controller coupled to the first and second auxiliary motor drivers, with
the control unit including first and second sensors adapted to be mounted
on left and right sides of the vehicle, with each of the first and second
sensors including a first sensing area coupled to the first auxiliary
motor and a second sensing area coupled to the second auxiliary motor.

4. The parking assistance system as claimed in claim 1, with said at least
one parking assistance controller including a parking assistance
controller coupled to the first and second auxiliary motor drivers, with
the controller including a transmitter and a receiver receiving signals
from the transmitter, with the receiver coupled to the parking assistance
controller, and with the transmitter being manually operable to control
the rotating direction and speed of the first and second auxiliary motors
via the parking assistance controller, controlling the moving distance
and direction of the front and rear auxiliary wheels in the forward or
backward direction.

5. The parking assistance system as claimed in claim 4, with the receiver
receiving wireless signals from the transmitter.

6. The parking assistance system as claimed in claim 4, with the receiver
electrically connected to the transmitter via a wire.

7. The parking assistance system as claimed in claim 2, with the first and
second sensors of each of the first and second sensor units located on a
same level and spaced from each other, with the first sensor adjacent a
head of the vehicle, and with the second sensor adjacent a rear of the
vehicle.

8. The parking assistance system as claimed in claim 2, with each of the
first and second auxiliary motors including a braking device.

9. The parking assistance system as claimed in claim 1, with a folding
device being mounted between chassis of the vehicle and each lift device.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001]1. Field of the Invention

[0002]The present invention relates to a parking assistance system and,
more particularly, to a parking assistance system for a vehicle to allow
the vehicle to be moved in a transverse direction, so that the vehicle
can be rapidly moved into a parking space.

[0003]2. Description of the Related Art

[0004]Most automobiles include a radar device or a monitor for assisting
in movement in backgear, which is helpful to drivers not skilled in
parking. However, the radar device or the monitor may not always be
useful in all kinds of parking situations. Furthermore, more fuel is
consumed and more air pollution is caused when more time is spent on
parking. Further, it is always a problem to find a parking space in
cities. To solve this problem, rapid parking designs including automatic
parking systems and wheels that can be rotated through 90 degrees have
been proposed to allow rapid parking. However, in addition to complicated
structures and high costs, these rapid parking designs face challenge in
reliability and safety.

[0005]Taiwan Patent Publication No. 578733 entitled "Transverse Movement
Structure for Vehicle" discloses two transverse movement mechanisms
mounted on a beam between two rear wheels of a vehicle and a
bi-directional hydraulic cylinder mounted between the transverse movement
mechanisms. Each transverse movement mechanism includes a lift arm, a
transverse wheel, and a power mechanism. The hydraulic cylinder includes
left and right piston rods respectively attached to the lift arms of the
transverse movement mechanisms. When the left and right piston rods are
moved outward, the transverse movement mechanisms move downward and come
into contact with the ground to lift the rear wheels away from the
ground. The transverse wheels are then moved by the power mechanisms so
that the rear of the vehicle can be moved leftward or rightward. When
parking the vehicle, such as roadside parking, the vehicle is driven into
a parking space with the head of the vehicle at an angle with a
longitudinal direction of the parking space. The transverse movement
mechanisms are then actuated to rotate the rear of the vehicle into the
parking space. However, the driver has to judge whether there is enough
room for rotational movement of the rear of the vehicle to avoid repeated
operations. Furthermore, the parking operation is also affected by the
angle between the head of the vehicle and the longitudinal direction of
the parking space. Specifically, if the angle is too small, the head of
the vehicle will be located outside of the parking space. On the other
hand, if the angle is too large, the sideview mirrors may impact
obstacles on the road. Namely, operation of the transverse movement
structure still needs the parking skill and judgment of the driver to
park the vehicle in a better location, which is difficult to drivers not
skilled in parking.

[0006]Taiwan Patent Publication No. 569988 entitled "Assistance Device for
Parking Vehicle" discloses two parking assistance devices respectively
adjacent to front wheels and rear wheels of a vehicle. Each parking
assistance device includes a transverse rod having a screw rod mounted
therein. The screw rod includes two ends with different thread leads. The
screw rod is driven by a main reduction motor. Two swaying rods are
mounted to the transverse rod. Each swaying rod is pivotably coupled by a
sleeve to one of the ends of the screw rod. Furthermore, each swaying rod
is coupled to an auxiliary wheel and a reduction motor. When the main
reduction motor drives the screw rod to rotate, the swaying rods are
moved downward. The auxiliary wheels come into contact with the ground to
lift the front and rear wheels above the ground. The auxiliary wheels are
then driven by the reduction motors to move the whole vehicle leftward or
rightward into the parking space. However, the parking assistance devices
only allow sideway movement of the whole vehicle. Namely, the vehicle
must be parked in a position parallel to the longitudinal direction of
the parking space. Particularly, if the vehicle is stopped in a position
at an angle with the longitudinal direction before parking, the vehicle
will be at an angle with the longitudinal direction of the parking space
after the vehicle is moved into the parking space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007]The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a
parking assistance system allowing a driver of a vehicle to adjust the
moving angle and the moving distance of the head and the rear of the
vehicle according to the practical situations, so that the vehicle can be
parked in the best location of the parking space.

[0008]Another objective of the present invention is to provide a parking
assistance system that can be operated by a driver without parking skill
and experience within a short period of time.

[0009]A parking assistance system according to the preferred teachings of
the present invention includes a front auxiliary wheel assembly adapted
to be mounted to a chassis of the vehicle and adjacent two front wheels
of the vehicle. The front auxiliary wheel assembly includes two front
auxiliary wheels and a first auxiliary motor coupled to the two front
auxiliary wheels. At least one of the front auxiliary wheels is drivable
by the first auxiliary motor to rotate in a forward or backward
direction. The parking assistance system further includes a rear
auxiliary wheel assembly adapted to be mounted to the chassis of the
vehicle and adjacent two rear wheels of the vehicle. The rear auxiliary
wheel assembly includes two rear auxiliary wheels and a second auxiliary
motor coupled to the two rear auxiliary wheels. At least one of the rear
auxiliary wheels is drivable by the second auxiliary motor to rotate in
the forward or backward direction. A plurality of lift devices are
mounted between the front and rear auxiliary wheels and the chassis and
control upward and downward movement of the front and rear auxiliary
wheels between a first position above the ground and a second position on
the ground, with the front and rear wheels of the vehicle being above the
ground when the front and rear auxiliary wheels are in the second
position, and with the front and rear wheels of the vehicle being on the
ground when the front and rear auxiliary wheels are in the first
position. A first auxiliary motor driver is coupled to the first
auxiliary motor, and a second auxiliary motor driver is coupled to the
second auxiliary motor. At least one parking assistance controller is
coupled to the first and second auxiliary motor drivers. A control unit
is coupled to the at least one parking assistance controller and manually
operable to control rotating directions and speeds of the first and
second auxiliary motors via the at least one parking assistance
controller, controlling moving distances and directions of the front and
rear auxiliary wheels in the forward or backward direction.

[0010]In a preferred form, the at least one parking assistance controller
includes first and second parking assistance controllers respectively
coupled to the first and second auxiliary motor drivers. The control unit
includes first and second sensor units are mounted on left and right
sides of the vehicle. Each of the first and second sensor units includes
a first sensor coupled to the first auxiliary motor and a second sensor
coupled to the second auxiliary motor. Furthermore, the first and second
sensors of each of the first and second sensor units are located on a
same level and spaced from each other, with the first sensor adjacent a
head of the vehicle and with the second sensor adjacent a rear of the
vehicle. Further, each of the first and second auxiliary motors includes
a braking device.

[0011]In another preferred form, the at least one parking assistance
controller includes a parking assistance controller coupled to the first
and second auxiliary motor drivers. The control unit includes first and
second sensors mounted on left and right sides of the vehicle. Each of
the first and second sensors includes a first sensing area coupled to the
first auxiliary motor and a second sensing area coupled to the second
auxiliary motor.

[0012]In a further preferred form, the at least one parking assistance
controller includes a parking assistance controller coupled to the first
and second auxiliary motor drivers. The controller includes a transmitter
and a receiver receiving signals from the transmitter. The receiver is
coupled to the parking assistance controller. The transmitter is manually
operable to control the rotating direction and speed of the first and
second auxiliary motors via the parking assistance controller,
controlling the moving distance and direction of the front and rear
auxiliary wheels in the forward or backward direction.

[0013]The present invention will become clearer in light of the following
detailed description of illustrative embodiments of this invention
described in connection with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]The illustrative embodiments may best be described by reference to
the accompanying drawings where:

[0015]FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a vehicle with a parking
assistance system of a first embodiment according to the preferred
teachings of the present invention.

[0016]FIGS. 2a and 2b show a block diagram of a portion of the parking
assistance system of FIG. 1.

[0017]FIG. 3 shows a partial, front view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with
front wheels of the vehicle above the ground.

[0018]FIG. 4 shows a partial, front view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with the
front wheels of the vehicle on the ground.

[0019]FIG. 5 shows a partial, side view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with the
front wheels of the vehicle above the ground.

[0020]FIG. 6 shows a partial, side view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with the
front wheels of the vehicle in the storage position.

[0021]FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a vehicle with a parking
assistance system of a second embodiment according to the preferred
teachings of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a vehicle with a parking
assistance system of a third embodiment according to the preferred
teachings of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a vehicle with a parking
assistance system of a fourth embodiment according to the preferred
teachings of the present invention.

[0025]All figures are drawn for ease of explanation of the basic teachings
of the present invention only; the extensions of the figures with respect
to number, position, relationship, and dimensions of the parts to form
the preferred embodiments will be explained or will be within the skill
of the art after the following teachings of the present invention have
been read and understood. Further, the exact dimensions and dimensional
proportions to conform to specific force, weight, strength, and similar
requirements will likewise be within the skill of the art after the
following teachings of the present invention have been read and
understood.

[0026]Where used in the various figures of the drawings, the same numerals
designate the same or similar parts. Furthermore, when the terms "first",
"second", "front", "rear", "end", "portion", "longitudinal", and similar
terms are used herein, it should be understood that these terms have
reference only to the structure shown in the drawings as it would appear
to a person viewing the drawings and are utilized only to facilitate
describing the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027]A parking assistance system according to the preferred teachings of
the present invention is shown in the drawings. According to the
preferred form shown, the parking assistance system is mounted to a
vehicle 8 and includes a front auxiliary wheel assembly 1, a rear
auxiliary wheel assembly 2, a control unit, and a plurality of lift
devices 4.

[0028]According to the preferred forms shown, the front and rear auxiliary
wheel assemblies 1 and 2 are mounted to a chassis 82 of the vehicle 8,
with the front auxiliary wheel assembly 1 adjacent two front wheels 84 of
the vehicle 8 and with the rear wheel assembly 1 adjacent two rear wheels
86 of the vehicle 8. The front and rear wheel assemblies 1 and 2 are
identical in the preferred form shown. Specifically, the front auxiliary
wheel assembly 1 includes two front auxiliary wheels 11 and a first
auxiliary motor 12 coupled to the front auxiliary wheels 11. The rear
auxiliary wheel assembly 2 includes two rear auxiliary wheels 21 and a
second auxiliary motor 22 coupled to the rear auxiliary wheels 22. The
auxiliary wheels 11 and 21 can rotate in a forward or backward direction
to move the vehicle 8 in a leftward or rightward direction of the vehicle
8. The first auxiliary motor 12 can drive one or both of the front
auxiliary wheels 11 to rotate in either of two opposite directions.
Similarly, the second auxiliary motor 22 can drive one or both of the
rear auxiliary wheels 21 to rotate in either direction. In an alternative
form, each auxiliary wheel 11 and 21 is driven by an auxiliary motor to
rotate in either direction.

[0029]In the preferred form shown, the control unit includes two sensor
units 3. The sensor units 3 are respectively mounted to left and right
sides of the vehicle 8. Each sensor unit 3 includes first and second
sensors 31, 32 in the preferred form shown at the same level and spaced
in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle 8, with the first sensor 31
adjacent a head of the vehicle 8 and with the second sensor 32 adjacent a
rear of the vehicle 8. The first sensor 31 of the sensor units 3 is
coupled to a first parking assistance controller 33 that is coupled to a
first auxiliary motor driver 34, which in turn, is coupled to the first
auxiliary motor 12 of the front auxiliary wheel assembly 1. The second
sensor 32 of the sensor units 3 is coupled to a second parking assistance
controller 33 that is coupled to a second auxiliary motor driver 34,
which in turn is coupled to the second auxiliary motor 22 of the second
auxiliary wheel assembly 2.

[0030]According to the preferred form shown, the parking assistance system
includes four lift devices 4 mounted to the chassis 82 of the vehicle 8
with the front and rear auxiliary wheels 11 and 21 respectively coupled
to and drivable by the lift devices 4 to move upward or downward. Each
lift device 4 includes a fixed seat 41 fixed to the chassis 82, two arms
42, a motor 43, and a screw rod 44. Each arm 42 has a first end pivotably
connected to the fixed seat 41 and a second end pivotably connected to
one of the front and rear auxiliary wheels 11 and 21. A joint 45 is
mounted to an intermediate portion of each arm 42. The motor 43 is
coupled to the joint 45 of one of the arms 42, and the joint 45 of the
other arm 42 includes a screw hole for threadedly engaging with the screw
rod 44 driven by the motor 43.

[0031]When the motors 43 of the lift devices 4 drive the screw rods 44 to
rotate in a direction, the joints 45 of the arms 42 of each lift device 4
are moved away from each other, so that the front and rear auxiliary
wheels 11 and 21 move upward (FIG. 3). When the motors 43 of the lift
devices 4 drive the screw rods 44 to rotate in a reverse direction, the
joints 45 of the arms 42 of each lift device 4 are moved towards each
other, so that the front and rear auxiliary wheels 11 and 21 move
downward and come in contact with the ground to lift the vehicle 8 above
the ground (FIG. 4). Thus, the front and rear wheels 84 and 86 are above
the ground. Next, the front and rear auxiliary wheels 11 and 21 are moved
to carry the vehicle 8 leftward or rightward. It can be appreciated that
the auxiliary wheels 11 and 21 have suitable spacing therebetween to
support the weight of the vehicle 8.

[0032]According to the preferred forms shown, a folding device 5 is
mounted between each lift device 4 and the chassis 82. Specifically, the
fixed seat 41 of each lift device 4 is pivotably mounted to one of the
folding devices 5 that is fixed to the chassis 82, allowing pivotal
movement of the fixed seat 41 relative to the chassis 82, so that each
auxiliary wheel 11, 21 is movable between an operative position (FIG. 5)
and a storage position (FIG. 6) in contact with the chassis 82 to avoid
damage to the auxiliary wheel 11, 21 by an object or a bump on the road.

[0033]With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, when a force is applied to the
first sensor 31, the first sensor 31 detects the magnitude of the force
and sends a signal indicative of the magnitude of the force to the first
parking assistance controller 33, which in turn, sends a control signal
to the first auxiliary motor driver 34. The first auxiliary motor 34
drives and controls the speed and the rotating direction of the first
auxiliary motor 12 according to the control signal. Similarly, when a
force is applied to the second sensor 32, the second sensor 32 detects
the magnitude of the force and sends a signal indicative of the magnitude
of the force to the second parking assistance controller 33, which in
turn, sends a control signal to the second auxiliary motor driver 34. The
second auxiliary motor 34 drives and controls the speed and the rotating
direction of the second auxiliary motor 22 according to the control
signal. The sensor units 3 on the left and right sides of the vehicle 8
control leftward and rightward movement of the vehicle 8. In the
preferred form shown in FIGS. 1-6, the sensor unit 3 on the left side of
the vehicle 8 controls rightward movement of the vehicle 8, and the
sensor unit 3 on the right side of the vehicle 8 controls leftward
movement of the vehicle 8.

[0034]When force is applied to both first and second sensors 31 and 32 on
the same side of the vehicle 8, the whole vehicle 8 is moved leftward or
rightward. However, force can be applied to only one of the first and
second sensors 31 and 32. For example, when a force is applied to the
first sensor 31 on the left side of the vehicle 8, the head of the
vehicle 8 is moved rightward. When a force is applied to the second
sensor 32 on the left side of the vehicle 8, the rear of the vehicle 8 is
moved rightward. On the other hand, when a force is applied to the first
sensor 31 on the right side of the vehicle 8, the head of the vehicle 8
is moved leftward. When a force is applied to the second sensor 32 on the
right side of the vehicle 8, the rear of the vehicle 8 is moved leftward.

[0035]With references to FIGS. 1 and 2, in use, the vehicle 8 is stopped
beside a parking space, and the driver can activate the parking
assistance system by a switch in the vehicle 8 or a remote control,
moving the front and rear auxiliary wheels 11 and 21 of the front and
rear auxiliary wheel assemblies 1 and 2 via the lift devices 4. The front
and rear auxiliary wheels 11 and 21 are lowered and come into contact
with the ground and lift the vehicle 8 so that the front and rear wheels
84 and 86 are above the ground. Then, the driver pushes the vehicle 8 by
the first and the second sensors 31 and 32 on one of the left and right
sides of the vehicle 8 with forces of suitable magnitudes with both
hands. The first and second sensors 31, 32 detect the magnitudes of
forces from both hands of the driver. The first and second auxiliary
controllers 33 judge the magnitudes of the forces applied and drive and
control the power output of the first and second auxiliary motors 12 and
22 of the front and rear auxiliary wheel assemblies 1 and 2, providing
auxiliary power in proportion to the magnitudes of the forces applied by
the hands of the driver.

[0036]The driver can adjust the forces applied through the hands to the
vehicle 8 according to the location of the vehicle 8. Thus, the moving
distances of the head and the rear of the vehicle 8 can be adjusted at
any time, so that the driver can easily push the vehicle 8 into the
parking space. The first and second auxiliary motors 12 and 22 can
include a braking device to providing a braking effect when required.
Furthermore, when no force is applied to the sensor units 3, the vehicle
8 brakes, avoiding the vehicle 8 from slipping downward when the vehicle
8 is on a slope. The front and rear auxiliary wheels 11 and 21 can be
moved upward by the lift devices 4 through control of the switch or the
remote control.

[0037]The driver can apply forces to the first and second sensors 31 and
32 on the other side of the vehicle 8 to push the vehicle 8 out of the
parking space. The first and second auxiliary wheels 11 and 21 can be
moved upward by the lift devices 4 through control of the switch or the
remote control, so that the vehicle 8 can function normally.

[0038]FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the control unit of the parking
assistance system according to the teachings of the present invention. In
this embodiment, the control unit includes two sensors 6 respectively on
left and right sides of the vehicle 8. Each sensor 6 includes two sensing
areas 61 and 62 that are spaced in a horizontal direction in the
preferred form shown. Each sensing area 61, 62 is coupled to a parking
assistance controller 33, which in turn, is coupled by two auxiliary
motor drivers 34 to the auxiliary motors 12 and 22 of the front and rear
wheel assemblies 1 and 2. When the sensing area 61, 62 is subjected to a
force, the magnitude of the force is detected, and a signal indicative of
the magnitude of the force is sent to the parking assistance controller
33. After judgment, the parking assistance controller 33 sends a control
signal to one or both of the auxiliary motor drivers 34 to drive and
control the speed and rotating direction of the auxiliary motors 12 and
22. Thus, the moving distance and the direction of the auxiliary wheels
11 and 21 can be controlled.

[0039]FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of the control unit of the parking
assistance system according to the teachings of the present invention. In
this embodiment, the control unit is in the form of a controller 7
including a receiver 71 and a transmitter 72. The receiver 71 receives
wireless signals from the transmitter 72 and is coupled to a parking
assistance controller 33, which in turn, is coupled by two auxiliary
motor drivers 34 to the auxiliary motors 12 and 22 of the front and rear
wheel assemblies 1 and 2. The transmitter 72 includes a plurality of
buttons to control the speed and rotating direction of the auxiliary
motors 12 and 22. Thus, the moving distance and the direction of the
auxiliary wheels 11 and 21 can be controlled.

[0040]FIG. 9 shows still another embodiment of the control unit of the
parking assistance system according to the teachings of the present
invention. In this embodiment, the control unit is in the form of a
controller 7' including a receiver 71' and a transmitter 72' electrically
connected to the receiver 71' by a wire 74. The receiver 71' receives
signals from the transmitter 72' and is coupled to a parking assistance
controller 33, which in turn, is coupled by two auxiliary motor drivers
34 to the auxiliary motors 12 and 22 of the front and rear wheel
assemblies 1 and 2. The transmitter 72' includes a plurality of buttons
to control the speed and rotating direction of the auxiliary motors 12
and 22. Thus, the moving distance and the direction of the auxiliary
wheels 11 and 21 can be controlled.

[0041]Thus, the parking assistance system according to the preferred
teachings of the present invention allows the driver to easily and
rapidly move the vehicle 8 to the best location in the parking space
without the need of parking skill and experience. The moving speed and
direction of the vehicle 8 can be adjusted at any time according to the
practical situations.

[0042]Thus since the invention disclosed herein may be embodied in other
specific forms without departing from the spirit or general
characteristics thereof, some of which forms have been indicated, the
embodiments described herein are to be considered in all respects
illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is to be
indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing
description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of
equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.